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Pongal Festival

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we never say no to any Asian festivities. Today we are travelling to India to celebrate the famous Pongal festival. Are you going to miss it?

Pongal festival is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, in South India, which takes place every year on January 15. The celebration lasts four days. It is one of the most important Hindu festivities.

@mypandorasbox (Flickr)

During Pongal, Tamils thank nature and Surya the Sun God for a good harvest and consecrate the first grains. The festival marks the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere.

The first day of Pongal is celebrated as Bhogi festival in honour of Lord Indra, the supreme ruler of clouds that give rain, to show gratitude for the abundance of harvest.

sudhamshau (Flickr)

On the second day of Pongal, the puja or act of ceremonial worship is performed when rice is boiled in milk outdoors in an earthenware pot. And then it is symbolically offered to the Sun God along with other oblations. All Tamils wear traditional costumes.

The third day is known as Mattu Pongal, the day of Pongal for cows. This day is dedicated to worship the cattle. Multi-coloured beads, tinkling bells and flower garlands are tied around their necks.

@mypandorasbox (Flickr)

The Fourth day is known as Knau. On this day, a turmeric leaf is washed and placed on the ground. On this leaf people place the left overs of sweet Pongal and Venn Pongal, rice, as well as red and yellow rice, betel leaves, betel nuts, two pieces of sugarcane and bananas. Women perform this ritual before bathing in the morning. All the women of the house assemble in the courtyard to ask that their brothers´ house and family prosper.

At the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we also have our rituals and believes. Have you ever seen our wood canoe? If you visit us, don´t hesitate to discover it.